UshCha | 04 May 2020 2:10 a.m. PST |
We have for completeness, in issue 2 of Manoeuvre Group, decided to include communication by runner. This was a key means of communication at company level and lower and by dispatch rider at higher levels. The mechanisms of our system do mean that we can, within the current scope, cover the effects of arrival or none arrival of such communications. As an aside there is a great book called Commando Despatch Rider: From D-Day to Deutschland, 1944–45 Kindle Edition which is a bit above our level but interesting. Loss of runners and failure of runners to get through on time can be an issue. So the question is do you model runners in any way other than a completely abstract die roll and if so how have you approached it? |
Richard Baber | 04 May 2020 3:52 a.m. PST |
We have a command radius (3" which is a standard infantry turn move in our rules), outside which the CO needs to use runners. |
Darrell B D Day | 04 May 2020 5:29 a.m. PST |
Currently playing a N/W Europe, WW2 platoon level game by WhatsApp where information to the two players is limited to what the platoon commanders can see, hear and, crucially, find out using runners. One of my runners has already disappeared, assumed killed or captured and this helps to stoke up the already high tension levels. WhatsApp gaming is great for highlighting the difficulties of command when the usual "all-seeing eye" view is no longer available. The humble runner is a prized asset. DBDD |
Martin Rapier | 04 May 2020 6:52 a.m. PST |
For platoon/company level we model whistles/shouting/hand signals effective up to around 40 yards, and anything over that needs a runner or a field telephone. Good luck with intra company radio comms using WW2 tech (or even 1970s tech). Vehicle mounted comms gear is probably going to be OK. Runners are individual figures who deliver messages. No we don't roll dice, just umpire eyeball it. They are small targets so harder to locate. |
UshCha | 04 May 2020 7:04 a.m. PST |
Martin, that's how we figured it difficult to see as they are probably the brighter, more motivated and more skilled of the formation. |
Wolfhag | 04 May 2020 7:26 a.m. PST |
They can also use bicycles, horses, and jeeps. I don't think it was unusual for a Company Commander to have a jeep. At the platoon level, it will normally be a foot race. Wolfhag |
Legion 4 | 04 May 2020 10:20 a.m. PST |
Wolf +1 As both a Plt Ldr and Co. Cdr I used to yell a lot ! |
Wolfhag | 04 May 2020 3:23 p.m. PST |
You also try to steal something better too. Especially if the Army or Air Force are nearby. Wolfhag |
Wolfshanza | 04 May 2020 10:55 p.m. PST |
Lots of yelling at squad level ! We had radios (that sometimes worked) so didn't use runners. Wolf…we don't steal…we "acquire" |
Marc33594 | 05 May 2020 8:31 a.m. PST |
Please. We neither steal nor acquire we "requisition". |
Legion 4 | 05 May 2020 8:37 a.m. PST |
LOL ! Yes In never used a runner. Save for something like in the Motor Pool. When I told one of my track crews to get SGT "so and so" and have him tell me why this engine is all up !!! |
Legion 4 | 05 May 2020 3:43 p.m. PST |
I was just thinking … the Army never stole, acquire, requisition, etc., anything from the USMC … You guys had nothing we wanted ! |
Rudysnelson | 05 May 2020 6:23 p.m. PST |
Back in 1983 when we did Guard du Corp, we used a command radius for tactical situations such as rallying, follow me orders, redressing the lines within a Brigade. However for higher Operational command situations such as status, order changes to high level commanders we used a courier messenger system. An adjutant marker was placed on the board and moved at light cavalry speed. He could not be a target but could be caught in a firing arc with a ‘skirmisher's chance' of being hit. The message cattier by the hit courier could be read by the enemy but since multiple couriers were sent, the message was still delivered to the intended General. |
Legion 4 | 06 May 2020 6:23 a.m. PST |
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